1) Lavrio - Aegina Port ( 40 nm)
2) Aegina Port -Ithsmus Canal (25 nm )
3) Ithsmus Canal - Nafpaktos ( 60 nm )
4) Nafpaktos - Rio Antirio Bridge (6 nm)
5) Rio Antirrio Bridge -Navagio Zante 60 NM
One of the most important projects of modern Greece, which played a major role for the Mediterranean trade, the canal of the Isthmus of Corinth, has
constituted an inspiration for centuries and was completed … 25 centuries after the conception of its idea. The canal was initially proposed in classical times and
a failed effort was made to build it in the 1st century AD. Main purpose was to try and open a canal in the isthmus of Corinth which would allow the avoidance
of a dangerous circumnavigation of the Peloponnese and to shorten the route.
However , efforts were abandoned due to lack of adequate technology at that time and in ancient times the people used to drag their ships across the isthmus
on a paved road, which they called dhiolkos. The name “Diolkos” means a “movable platform”. It may sound unbelievable , but you can still find preserved parts by
archeologists of the paved trackway near Corinth which enabled boats in ancient Greece to get our of water and be moved across the Isthmus of Corinth by pulling
them. Not all ships could use the “Diolkos” due to their size, but in many cases, the cargo of ships was taken off at one side, and transported to the other, where a second
ship would be waiting to load on the cargo.
Construction recommenced in 1881 but was hampered by geological and financial problems that bankrupted the original builders. It was completed finally in
1893.
It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island.
Navigating through the 6,343 metres long by 24.6 metres wide Isthmus canal of Corinth saves the 700-kilometre (430 mi) journey around the Peloponnes and
is the shortest route for a yacht departing from Athens marinas to Ionian sea magnificent islands
Experience of crossing Isthmus Canal with your own yacht is definitely one of those moments you will very consciously experience and you will enjoy every
minute of it. Every minute of the 30 to 45 minutes needed as a whole procedure to cross the canal.
There are a total of 8 bridges to pass when crossing the Corinth Canal. There are 3 bridges, a railway bridge, 2 road bridges and 2 hydraulic bridged crossing the Canal.
The 2 hydraulic bridges can be found at both ends of the Canal and are lowered down into the water, shortly before transiting.
The Corinth Canal is too narrow for ships to pass each other, since it is about 25 meters wide. So you must get permission to proceed from the Canal Zone authorities as it
is considered a one way seaway and yachts have to wait usually for 10- 20 minutes in order to pass as a convoy all together.
The Corinth Canal is not only a major shipping route, but also a huge tourist attraction with thousands of visitors visiting the canal to admire its engineering an
construction. The unique design, and colourful history, of the Corinth Canal makes it a famous landmark both in Greece and internationally. Thousands of people see the
Corinth Canal from the bridges above, but few get the experience of navigating their own yacht down the Corinth Canal.
The astonishing view of 80 meters high bridges above water makes the site very popular for bungee jumbing. Think of it .... as you are crossing the canal with your yacht ,
people jumbing from the bridges to you !
After few hours navigation in Corinth Gulf , next bridge that comes for crossing is the impressive 2883 meters long bridge of Rio-Antirrio , 65 meters above water line.
Crossing the bridge with your own yacht is always an unforgetable experience.
Rio Antirrio bridge is one of the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and longest of the fully suspended type. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking
the town of Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula to Antirrio on mainland Greece by road.
Due to the peculiar conditions of the straits, several unique engineering problems needed to be considered and overcome. The water depth reaches 65 m, the seabed is
mostly of loose sediment, the seismic activity and possibility of tectonic movement is significant, and the Gulf of Corinth is expanding at a rate of about 30 mm a year. In
addition, the hills on either side create a wind tunnel where 70 mph winds are common.
The bridge received the 2006 Outstanding Structure Award from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering. In 2006 the bridge was featured in an
episode of Megastructures on the National Geographic Channel.
After a voyage of 63 miles from exit point of Isthmus Corinth Canal until Rio Antirrio Bridge , Ionian sea starts appearing. Zante ( Zakynthos in Greek) is one of the most
popular tourist destinations with many beautiful spots as well as the famous and highly reccomended bay of Nayagio
The beach of Navagio or Shipwreck cave is the most famous beach of Zakynthos lying on the western side of the Ionian island, close to Anafotiria village. The Shipwreck is
one of the most photographed sights in Greece. It is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. It was initially called Agios Georgios but owes its new
name to the shipwreck of a boat washed ashore.
Access to this beach is only posisble by means of boats as there is no road connection to this spot. Thus , even though the beach is really crowed when public boats start
bringing people in the beach because is so popular and famous , still there are many hours especially before 10:00 o clock in the morning and after 18:00 in the afternoon
that beach is free of people and you can enjoy the total privacy , as crowds are leaving. Crowds are leaving , but with your yacht you can experience the ultimate
relaxation and elegance in your private beach of Navagio in Zante!
